REDD+ in Africa: new initiative launched by Netherlands Committee

Fri, 09 Dec 2011

IUCN – as the world’s largest environmental network -- is one union with many faces. Here in Durban at the UN climate conference (UNFCCC COP17), one such face is that of IUCN’s National Committee of the Netherlands.

Represented by their Senior Advisor on Energy and Climate, Carl Königel, the Netherlands Committee are in Durban launching the African Terrestrial Carbon Centre (ATCC), their new initiative on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) in Africa.

Photo: Daniel Shaw/IUCN

Königel describes the main objectives of the programme.

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The ATCC initiative is strongly focused on making sure REDD+ actions on the ground benefit the poor.

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Königel goes on to emphasise a key recommendation to governments in making sure ‘pro-poor’ REDD+, does actually happen, with benefits flowing to communities.

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Despite uncertainty of the outcomes of COP17, Königen sees a brighter outcome for REDD+.

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At COP17 as at any other event, National Committees bring yet another perspective to IUCN’s comprehensive Union, as Königen confirms.